Prisoners favour hepatitis C testing and treatment

Epidemiol Infect. 2006 Apr;134(2):243-8. doi: 10.1017/S0950268805004991.

Abstract

More people with hepatitis C virus pass through incarcerated settings each year than any other venue. The goal of this study was to assess inmates' attitudes towards hepatitis C testing and treatment while incarcerated. We interviewed 153 male and female inmates at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC). Ninety-one per cent of inmates said they would agree to be tested for hepatitis C and 95% said that they would be willing to be treated for hepatitis C while incarcerated. Thirty-three per cent perceived themselves to be at risk for hepatitis C. Inmates were very interested in hepatitis C testing and, if indicated treatment. Inmates' attitudes towards hepatitis C testing and treatment do not pose a major obstacle to implementing comprehensive hepatitis C screening and treatment programme in correctional settings.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis*
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Patient Compliance
  • Prisoners*